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The particulars: Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Open for barbecue Friday, Saturday and Sunday 4 to 8 p.m. Store and gift barn open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, to 5 p.m. Saturday and to 4 p.m. Sunday. Takes major credit cards. Free parking.

The story: As we zoomed past this small gift store on Route 10 in Granby, we saw a pig statue dressed in a chef's outfit holding a sign: "You want a piece of me?" Mr. Pork was perched next to a steaming metal box with the smell of slow-smoked meat drifting out. We stopped.

The Trumpet Vine Cafe has begun a strange but delicious union with "My Daddy's Barbeque," a new feature on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Inside is a gift shop stuffed with antiques. Virtually every surface is covered with pictures, ceramic figurines and memorabilia. Outside is a garden and old-fashioned screen house.

The cozy seating looks more suitable for tea and crumpets. But the menu features pulled pork, spare ribs, chicken and brisket with sides of eggy potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, chunky apple sauce, corn on the cob and green salad.

We tried the ribs, pulled pork and chicken. Whoever Big Daddy is should get a prize for infusing great flavor into falling-off-the-bone meats. Each meal is served with fingers of warm corn bread and herb butter and sweet slaw, along with choice of sides.

Silence fell as we devoured our meals, a good sign in our group. We spent the rest of the night raving about the food and making plans to return soon.

The story: Italian favorites, with an emphasis on pizza and pasta dishes. Create your own meal with your choice of four pasta shapes and one of nine sauces, including vodka sauce and pesto cream. Add meat, vegetables or seafood for a little more. Entrees run the gamut from veal Parmesan to sole francese, with Chicken Saltim "Buca" standing out among the classics, a sauteed chicken breast layered with prosciutto and provolone. Gourmet pizza lovers will be pleased to see shrimp, clams and fresh basil as topping options. Two seafood specials were offered that night, salmon and Cajun-seared scallops. Sandwiches and grinders are also available.

The story: Lenny and Joe's Fish Tale in Madison is one of our favorite spots. We chose the lobster dinner , which includes a steamed-to-order crustacean, corn on the cob, salt potatoes and melted butter.

I had a lobster roll with coleslaw and thick fries. This is all lobster meat on a toasted hot dog roll, no mayonnaise or celery. Heaven.

After our meal, we strolled to the historic working carousel around back where youngsters can ride for $1. All proceeds go to a different charity daily. A soft-serve ice cream bar is next to the merry-go-round.

The look: The place oozes '50s charm, from the cheery, black-and-white floor tiles to the teal walls. Whimsical wooden signs, with folksy sayings such as "Smile, it confuses people," hang near a chalkboard listing the day's specials.

The story: Far from Mystic's well-trod tourist trail, Somewhere in Time Cafe isn't easy to find. It's a few miles from I-95, the aquarium, the seaport and most of the other things that draw folks to this corner of the state. But you'll know you've found it when you spot the crowd of people milling outside a small strip mall on the Gold Star Highway.

This is a family-friendly place and the dining room is often filled with large, multigenerational parties. The inventive menu has something for everyone, from complicated concoctions of eggs, artichoke hearts and cream cheese to scrambled eggs and toast.